#duxtonhill

Historical cart building reunion couplefie

Meeting up with my former student from the Far Eastern University, Shaiy Daquiz, in a café in the 1904 Jinrikisha Station, in Duxton Hill, Singapore

When the man-powered carriage rickshaws were introduced to Singapore in 1880, their popularity soon replaced many of the horse-drawn gharry carts; due to their smaller size, affordability, and minus the care and maintenance of the horses. Invented in Japan in 1869, the Singaporean rickshaws retained their original Japanese name of jinrikisha (人力車).

With the number of jinrikisha operators increasing 2,000 to 13,000 in the decade between 1883 to 1893; the Singapore Municipal Commission establishes the Jinrikisha Department to register and regulate the jinrikisha plying the roads. The Jinrikisha Department was first housed in three locations at Beach Road, South Bridge Road and Fort Canning. Later on all operations of the department was transferred to the newly constructed Middle Road Station in 1899. However in another decade, the jinrikisha operators had exploded to 22,629; and the new Middle Road Station department could no longer manage that many jinrikisha moving in and out of the building.

In a parcel of land in Duxton Hill the Singapore Municipal Commission had purchased from Dato' Bintara Dalam (1840-1904) of Johor, Malaysia; the commission planned to build the new Jinrikisha Department that was designed by municipal engineer Samuel Tomlinson (1859-1935) and municipal architect David McLeod Craik (1873-1938).

After the end of World War II in 1945, the popularity of jinrikisha began to decline; and in 1947 they were completely banned in Singapore. In 1904 the Jinrikisha Station was opened for business. Over the decades the Jinrikisha Station slowly degraded, and its main offices served as a family-planning clinic and a maternal and childcare center. In 1987, the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) identified the Jinrikisha Station as a historical building for restoration under the Tanjong Pagar conservation area. However, the Jinrikisha Station was also private property that the new owners could not tear down the building and they would have to pay for the restoration of the edifice. In 1989, the L&B Holdings purchased and redeveloped the Jinrikisha Station shopping and recreation center.

And in 2007, the L&B Holdings relinquished its ownership of the Jinrikisha Station to the Hong Kong action star and director Jackie Chan (born 1954).

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Singapore’s District 3 may not always make the headlines like Orchard or Marina Bay, but a closer look reveals a vibrant lifestyle enclave that blends greenery, leisure, and culinary appeal. Nestled between the CBD and the charming neighborhoods of Outram and Tanjong Pagar, this district quietly offers residents and visitors a mix of serenity and energy—perfect for both weekend escapes and weekday conveniences.

Step into the district’s green pockets, and you’ll immediately notice the charm of Tiong Bahru Park and Pearl’s Hill City Park, where morning joggers, tai chi enthusiasts, and families converge. These spots aren’t just recreational—they anchor the neighborhood’s sense of community and provide breathing space amidst urban density. For property investors, proximity to such greenery often translates to higher long-term appeal, especially for buyers prioritizing lifestyle quality alongside capital growth.

When it comes to F&B, District 3 impresses with diversity. From heritage coffee shops to contemporary restaurants tucked along Duxton Hill and Keong Saik Road, food enthusiasts have endless options. The area is well-known for boutique cafés, artisanal bakeries, and Michelin-listed dining spots, making it a hotspot for both casual dining and curated gastronomic experiences. These culinary nodes not only enrich everyday life but also reinforce the district’s reputation as a desirable residential and leisure destination.

Beyond parks and food, recreational options extend into boutique fitness studios, co-working hubs, and weekend lifestyle markets. For those exploring Singapore’s urban fabric, District 3 serves as a case study in blending residential convenience with cultural and social vibrancy.

In short, District 3 is quietly proving that lifestyle appeal doesn’t always need the flash of megamalls or the spectacle of skyscrapers. Its mix of green spaces, curated F&B experiences, and accessible recreation make it a compelling choice for residents who value both community and convenience.